Rise and Glide

We can't believe season two is over already. In this round up episode, cohosts Maddi Leblanc and Holly Pye look back and chat about their favourite moments from this season, sharing highlights from each of the ten awesome guests we've had the pleasure of speaking to. Throughout season two, we've learned from explorers, world champions, SUP athletes, kayakers, and many, many more. We'd love to hear what you've learned from these conversations and how it's improving your paddling at home. Let us know who you want to hear on Rise & Glide Season 3 by sending a message to @paddlelogger on Instagram. Support the podcast by getting your hands on some of these exclusive beach bags and T's 👉👉👉 the Rise and Glide Collection. IG @paddlelogger merch Rise and Glide Collection

Marie is a waterwoman from South Devon, Great Britain. She’s got years of experience under her belt in almost every water sport you can think of. Marie’s well known as a SUP racer, having been paddling since 2007, but her journey started in competitive windsurfing and has evolved to all paddling disciplines since. In this episode we dive back through the history of SUP, from the first boards and paddles, to the evolution of racing trends, all the way up to Marie’s recent experiences at the ICF World Championships, where she won gold in both 2022 and 2023. Marie tells us all about the preparation that helped her get there and why it’s all about having fun on the water rather than strict scheduled sessions. We find out how we can encourage more female participation in sport, the importance of age categories in both national and international events and differences in equipment needs for men and women. Marie shares her IG @mariebuchanan

Chris Freeman, the owner and founder of Black Project, discusses his journey in the water sports industry and the development of Black Project in the SUP and Windsurf worlds. Chris transitioned from competitive windsurfing to stand up paddling (SUP) and began creating high-performance fins and paddles in the process. We learn about how good quality fins and paddles can dramatically improve your paddling experience. Chris emphasises what goes into product development and how Black Project finds the right balance between timeless designs and introducing new, exciting products. Chris goes into detail about the testing and feedback process for developing new products; the creation of prototypes, how they get tested in different conditions, and feedback from paddlers with the goal of continuously improving the performance and quality of the products. Chris understands the needs of different paddlers and explains how he adapts the products accordingly. We chat about the evolution of stand up paddle boarding and he explains what’s changed with fins and paddles based on changes in the sport, such as board designs and racing trends. We look at the rise of entry-level boards and the impact on the industry; the frustration of retailers with the quality of inflatables and the difficulty new paddlers have at distinguishing between high-quality and cheaper products. IG @blackprojectsup & @blackprojectwindsurf web www.blackprojectsup.com

Today we’re chatting with Seychelle, professional stand up paddle board (SUP) racer. A few months ago, Seychelle won the ICF World Championships 200m Sprint race only a few months after also winning two 70 mile and 80 mile endurance events. We chat about different SUP disciplines and the topic of specialisation. Seychelle tells us how it really is possible to do it all, and we learn more about the physiological requirements for different types of paddling. Seychelle shares her insights on strength training for SUP racing and tells us all about SUP Stroke School, a program that focuses on improving stroke technique for paddlers of all levels. She explains how she practices drills introduces her app, which offers videos and a supportive community. Seychelle has some exciting upcoming events and training camps, including a women's SUP and Love retreat and clinic dates in the UK. Seychelle reflects on her journey as a paddler, including her transformational year in 2019 and the importance of embracing different phases of life and finding joy in the present moment. Content Warning: This episode contains a short discussion on topics that some may be sensitive to with reference to starting a family. IG ⁠@seychelle.sup⁠ coaching ⁠Seychelle SUP⁠ web ⁠seychellesup.com⁠

Blake Carmichael is the winner of the 2023 Last Paddler Standing endurance event, where he paddled for a record-breaking 50 hours. He completed this just a few months after also winning the solo men’s division of the 80 mile Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis from the Bahamas to Florida. In this episode, Blake shares his journey in stand up paddle boarding, going from beginner to ultra long distance paddler in just a couple of years. We learn about Blake’s recent paddle across the state of Florida to raise awareness about water pollution on marine ecosystems and his campaign for clean water. Blake also shares insights on the physical and mental challenges of these ultra long-distance challenges, and the strategies he uses to stay focused and motivated. Blake emphasises the importance of gratitude, meditation and mindfulness. Gratitude teaches us to appreciate the small things in life, and he explains how it helps him to keep pushing through challenging moments on the water. Blake also discusses his preparations for 2024 races and we discuss training routines for different disciplines and tips for mental and physical preparation. IG @blakecarmichael web diveblu3.com watch Paddling 3 miles every hour Captains for Clean Water

Jon White is a para-canoeist and was the first para-athlete in an ICF event, has represented Great Britain at several world championships winning many medals, and recently won two Gold medals at the 2023 ICF Ocean Racing World Championships in Australia. He lives by “a strong will and a sharp mind can overcome almost anything”. In this episode, Jon discusses his competitive journey and how he rediscovered his passion for paddling after experiencing a life changing injury in the Royal Marines where he lost three limbs. We learned more about the prosthetic arm Jon uses for kayaking, and how he’s working with engineers get the design just right. Jon shares insights into his training routine, including the balance between flat water and ocean training, club paddles and solo sessions. Jon also recounts his 100-mile kayaking marathon on Christmas Day in 2022, raising over £15,000 and the strategies that helped him to stay focused during the challenge. We asked about the 2024 Paris Paralympics and hear what the selection process is like and how Jon is focusing his training. The paddling community is supportive and inclusive. Getting out on the water can help many of us overcome personal challenges and find a sense of freedom and independence. IG @jonwhite50

3 x World Champion, a gold medalist in the Pan American Surfing Games, 2x Carolina Cup Graveyard Champion, Gorge Downwind OC1 Champion and APP World Tour World Champion. April has worked HARD over the last decade and shares her journey as a paddler, an athlete, a coach and now new parent. She talks about how she started paddling from a background with zero fitness, and the challenges she faced as a beginner. April emphasised the importance of commitment and gradual progress in achieving success as an athlete. We spoke about training strategies, low hanging fruits, staying focused whilst paddling, and April’s love for audiobooks. April’s story is inspiring and highlights the dedication and discipline required to excel in the sport of stand up paddling. We also chatted about April’s journey as a coach, the importance of keeping a training journal, advice for paddlers wanting to train more seriously, and the new challenges April is experiencing as a new mum balancing paddling with motherhood. IG @aprilzilg web aprilzilg.com training paddletraining.com training journal athlete-agenda.com Books Mentioned 80/20 Running: Run Stronger and Race Faster By Training Slower by Matt Fitzgerald 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think by Laura Vanderkam Roar by Dr Stacey Sims The Period Repair Manual: Natural Treatment for Better Hormones and Better Periods by Laura Bridon

Dr. Audrey Lee, a performance and plant-based sports nutrition coach, shares her journey in the world of paddle boarding and the importance of self-care, recovery, and nutrition in achieving a balanced lifestyle. Audrey emphasises the need to listen to our bodies and how to make conscious choices that support our wellbeing. Her approach to performance coaching focuses on optimising routines and simplifying processes to create long-term changes. Audrey discusses the power of conscious breathing and shares some breathwork techniques with us. We chat about nutrition as fuel, how to recognise when you’re not fuelling for performance, and the balance of self-care, including the need for rest and recovery in training. IG @powertoshred web powertoshred.com Audrey’s Podcast: Power To Shred Books mentioned Breathe, The New Science of a Lost Art

Brad Friesen has completed some incredible feats and shares with us his journey into endurance paddling from river surfing and white water paddling. His background in canoeing, kayaking, and mountaineering led him to discover stand up paddle boarding. Brad talks about his experience with endurance events such as the Yukon River Quest and the Yukon 1000, and the mental and physical challenges they present. Brad shares his passion for the sport and the dedication he has for his role as a race director for the Red River Challenge. We chat about the importance of training, rest, nutrition and hydration for ultra long distance paddling, how kids racing is crucial for growing the sport and fostering the next generation of paddlers, and how to work your way up to longer distances and more difficult paddling challenges. Brad also shares tips for training in cold weather and alternative activities like cross-country skiing and fat biking. He talks about his preferred gear and equipment, and why we should all really be carrying spare paddles. Brad highlights the supportive and empowering community of ultra paddlers and invites listeners to participate in the Red River Challenge in Winnipeg, Manitoba. IG @bradfriesen web bradfriesen.com Red River Challenge redriverpaddlechallenge.com

Have you ever thought about what happens to a paddle board once it's reached the end of its life? In this episode Holly & Maddi sit down with Pip Andrews, Eco Partnerships Manager for Starboard SUP. Pip shared her passion for sustainability and we discuss the importance of protecting the environment. Pip has heaps of environmental knowledge and gave us some ideas to keep the waters clean as stand up paddle boarders. We chatted about water recreation and other sports including sailing, how more environmental awareness is needed to maintain biodiversity of our oceans, harmful practices, and the lifecycle of paddle boards. Real change is possible and we all have a responsibility. Let’s make this planet a nicer place to live (and paddle).

Bruce Kirkby, a Canadian explorer and adventurer, joins the Rise and Guide podcast to kick off season two. He shares his passion for life and what it means to get outside of your comfort zone. Bruce started guiding all kinds of expeditions over 30 years ago. In more recent years, his journey into the paddling world began with kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. We asked him what he loves about his time outdoors and what makes his trips so special. Paddling allows for exploration and a deeper connection with nature, making it a vehicle for adventure. We chat about what goes into designing a board for SUP expeditions, paddling through rainforests and the links between cross country skiing and stand up paddle. Bruce shares some of his most memorable paddling locations and also tells us his plans for the rest of 2024, including foiling and other new adventures. If you’re interested in long trips or multi-day expeditions on your stand up paddle board, Bruce shares his best tips and tricks including what to pack, how to store things safely on your board, the importance of the right gear and how to choose between a stand up paddle board and a kayak for long expeditions. IG @brucekirkby web brucekirkby.com Tap to download the Paddle Logger App today!

We're kicking off Season 2 of Rise and Glide. Maddi Leblanc and Holly Pye catch up on everything that's happened since the end of Season 1. They discuss their highlights, challenges, and lessons learned from various competitions. Maddi shares her decision to switch sponsors, and Holly talks about her plans for the upcoming season, including races in Europe and the UK. They also talk about their current training routines and winter travel. We've got a preview of our diverse guest lineup for Season 2. Hit the Follow button to stay tuned and listen in to some awesome paddlers over the next ten weeks. We're really excited for this one. IG: @paddlelogger web www.paddlelogger.com Tap to download the Paddle Logger App today!

Maddi Leblanc and Holly Pye reflect on their favourite moments from the past ten episodes of Rise & Glide. From epic rowing adventures to SUP racing, waves, science and everything in between, Season 1 has been a great mix of adventure and inspiration. Listen to Maddi and Holly's insights and the impact that each guest has had on them. As Season 1 comes to a close, we want to hear about your favourite moments from guests we have spoken to. Send us a message on Instagram @maddi3leblanc or @hollypye to let us know whether you want a Season 2 with new paddlers, new stories and new cool adventures. Get your Rise & Glide t-shirts here: https://paddlelogger.teemill.com/ Download Paddle Logger on the App Store today!!

Bella has rowed across not one, but two oceans whilst breaking multiple world records without any previous rowing or endurance sport experience. She tells us all about the stories from her time at sea and the challenges she faced during and after her trips. We talk about team work, pressure sores, sleep deprivation, scary weather and why the impossible is actually possible. Listen in to this episode to hear about the lessons Bella has learned from taking on these huge challenges and how these skills and mindset can help us in everyday life. web: Bella Collins web: Ocean Sheroes

Holly sits down with Emily Evans, an experienced SUP, canoe and white water rafting paddler. In this episode, find out all about competitive white water rafting, Emily’s favourite events and how it led to SUP racing and surfing for her.We also learn as Emily explains the importance of routines and visualisation in training and racing, and how she applies that in her own paddling as well as her coaching. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories like Emily's and leave us a review to let us know what you think! IG: @live_life_adventuringIG: @sup_tec_wales Web: https://www.suptec.co.uk/

In our first minisode Holly and Maddi share their training experiences, some thoughts on new equipment and plans for international competitions later this year. Including an ask for our listeners to get involved with Rise and Glide later this year! IG: @hollypye IG: @maddi3leblanc

Michael Booth (aka Boothy) is a multiple times SUP world champion from Western Australia. In this episode, we discuss mental strategies for racing and how to get the most out of your training. Find out what went into his recent Shaw & Partners Molokai to Oahu downwind channel crossing and the secrets to mastering your potential. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories like Michael’s and leave us a review to let us know what you think! IG: @_michaelbooth / @boothtraining web: Michael Booth / Booth Training

Adya Misra discovered paddling whilst living in Sweden, ten years ago. In this episode, we talk about playing calendar tetris to balance stand up paddle boarding, canoeing and sea kayaking (alongside working full time and volunteering as a coach) and why those sports give us so much happiness. Adya tells us why she started coaching paddle sports and how People of Colour Paddle was born as a mentoring scheme for people from ethnic minority backgrounds. Adya is creating opportunities whilst breaking down barriers to encourage people to get out on the water as much as they can. We discuss the unexpected challenges she’s faced along the way, the ripple effect on the paddlers who are being coached, why representation matters and how we can all help to share the message. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories like Adya’s and leave us a review to let us know what you think! IG: @peopleofcolourpaddle Facebook: People of Colour Paddle

Join us to listen to Caroline’s story of paddling and racing for Team Canada. Born deaf, Caroline doesn’t know what it’s like to hear other paddlers to her left and right, safety boats coming up behind her and crowds cheering from the sidelines. She explains what it’s like to paddle whilst wearing cochlear implants and we dive into how she started paddling, the intense training that goes into racing sprint canoe and kayak and why she now loves stand up paddle boarding. Caroline often paddles with her cochlear implants but there are occasions when that’s just not possible and instead she’s paddling, surfing or racing in complete silence. Plus find out how her training has differed moving between sports and understanding what life is like with hearing dog Gracie! Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories like Caroline’s and leave us a review to let us know what you think! IG: @1sweet._.caroline web: carolinecook.ca For those who are interested in wearing cochlear implants in or on the water, the accessories Caroline mentions include: Aqua Plus accessory for cochlear implants Cochlear safety cord

Red Paddle Co is 15 this year, we sat down with Founder John, a former competitive windsurfer who revolutionized the water sports industry. We chat with John to find out more about his transformation from an avid windsurfer, travelling around the world competing in wave sailing, to the visionary mind behind the world's leading inflatable stand up paddle board brand. We talk about his competitive wave sailing career, SUP racing, the challenges that fueled his success, and how the idea for Red Paddle Co came to life. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories like John’s and leave us a review to let us know what you think! IG: @redpaddleco web: Red Paddle Co